Staying alive

Britain and the European Union have agreed the basis of a transition deal that will mean the UK effectively remaining bound to Brussels rules for nearly two years after Brexit. In an announcement this morning after a weekend of intensive talks, David Davis and Michel Barnier said they had...Britain and the European Union have agreed the basis of a transition deal that will mean the UK effectively remaining bound to Brussels rules for nearly two years after Brexit. In an announcement this morning after a weekend of intensive talks, David Davis and Michel Barnier said they had...Britain and the European Union have agreed the basis of a transition deal that will mean the UK effectively remaining bound to...

The European Union has offered “unqualified solidarity” to Britain but has fallen short of backing British allegations that Russia and President Putin are responsible for the Salisbury nerve agent attack. A statement by European foreign ministers today “calls on Russia to address urgently the questions raised by the UK” and committed the EU...The European Union has offered “unqualified solidarity” to Britain but has fallen short of backing British allegations that Russia and President Putin are responsible for the Salisbury nerve agent attack. A statement by European foreign ministers today “calls on Russia to address urgently the questions raised by the UK” and committed the EU...The European Union has offered “unqualified solidarity” to Britain but has fallen short of backing British allegations that...

A newly married couple spent their honeymoon night stranded in a rescue centre with 80 other people as the “mini beast from the east” brought a fresh round of snow and freezing temperatures. John and Sara Lund were driving from Bristol to Newquay when they got stuck in thick snow on the A30 near Okehampton, Devon.A newly married couple spent their honeymoon night stranded in a rescue centre with 80 other...A newly married couple spent their honeymoon night stranded in a rescue centre with 80 other...

Computers can diagnose prostate cancer almost as accurately as specialists, according to research that promises to give results within hours. Artificial intelligence software was trained to grade the severity of tumours...Computers can diagnose prostate cancer almost as accurately as specialists, according to research that promises to give results within hours. Artificial intelligence software was trained to grade the severity of tumours...Computers can diagnose prostate cancer almost as accurately as specialists, according to research that promises to...

Scientists have developed a male contraceptive pill which appears to be safe and effective, raising hopes that a long-awaited breakthrough may be close. Researchers have struggled for decades to create a daily tablet to match...Scientists have developed a male contraceptive pill which appears to be safe and effective, raising hopes that a long-awaited breakthrough may be close. Researchers have struggled for decades to create a daily tablet to match...Scientists have developed a male contraceptive pill which appears to be safe and effective, raising hopes that a...

If Thor had to die, this, surely, is how he would have wanted to go. Across Europe, the skies turned blood-red. Famine, drought and pestilence stalked Eurasia. In Egypt, the Nile failed to flood, in China there was a great freeze. And in Iceland...If Thor had to die, this, surely, is how he would have wanted to go. Across Europe, the skies...If Thor had to die, this, surely, is how he would have wanted to go. Across Europe, the skies...

Brainteasers

Online revision

The House of Commons has launched a review after spending £10,000 to stop twelve fig trees falling over — even though they already cost £20,000 a year. The fig trees (Ficus nitida) which line the atrium of the glass-roofed Portcullis House, an...The House of Commons has launched a review after spending £10,000 to stop twelve fig trees...The House of Commons has launched a review after spending £10,000 to stop twelve fig trees...

The security services are trying to recruit teenage computer hackers who have fallen foul of the law to defend the...The security services are trying to recruit teenage computer hackers who have fallen foul of the...The security services are trying to recruit teenage computer hackers who have fallen foul of the...

The ability of babies to make logical deductions is more sophisticated than is widely believed and infants as young...The ability of babies to make logical deductions is more sophisticated than is widely believed...The ability of babies to make logical deductions is more sophisticated than is widely believed...

Sir, Further to your leader “Foul Play” (Mar 17), if Europe’s three leading football nations whom bookmakers expect to be at least semi-finalists in the World Cup — Germany, France and Spain — were to decide that an unprovoked nerve agent attack...Sir, Further to your leader “Foul Play” (Mar 17), if Europe’s three leading football nations whom...Sir, Further to your leader “Foul Play” (Mar 17), if Europe’s three leading football nations whom...

On this day

In 1853 the Taiping (Heavenly Peace) rebels, a Protestant movement, challenged China’s ruling Manchu Ch’ing dynasty by taking the city of Nanking; in 1877 Australia beat England by 45 runs in the first ever Test match; in 1920 the US Senate refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles; in 1932 Sydney Harbour Bridge was officially opened; in 1937, five days after releasing an encyclical denouncing Hitler’s National Socialism, Pope Pius XI published the encyclical On Atheistic Communism, condemning “bolshevistic and atheistic Communism”.

Nature notes

The first few swallows of the spring have now been seen, in spite of the chill in the air. They have mostly been flying low over water, picking up flying insects, and they will sometimes dip down to take a sip of water. The first few ospreys have also arrived. These large fish-hawks are brown above, but look very white when seen from below. Most of them are on their way to their breeding sites in Scotland, where they nest in pine trees close to the lochs. However, they linger in England on their way north and often sit perched in a dead tree beside water. They make spectacular splashy dives for fish. The garganey, our only duck that is a summer visitor, has been seen swimming on lakes and in marshes. These first arrivals have been drakes, which are easily recognised by their big, bold eyestripe, as well as their delicately barred grey flanks.

Western leaders are dragging their heels in congratulating Vladimir Putin on his biggest ever victory in presidential elections yesterday, after a vote shaded by Britain’s stand-off with Russia over the Sergei Skripal poisoning. By 2.30pm Moscow time today, the most prominent world leader to...Western leaders are dragging their heels in congratulating Vladimir Putin on his biggest ever victory in presidential elections yesterday, after a vote shaded by Britain’s stand-off with Russia over the Sergei Skripal poisoning. By 2.30pm Moscow time today, the most prominent world leader to...Western leaders are dragging their heels in congratulating Vladimir Putin on his biggest ever victory in presidential elections...

How long could Mr Putin be president for?Vladimir Putin was made acting president by Boris Yeltsin on New Year’s Eve 1999 and then served two terms until 2008, when Dmitry Medvedev, the prime minister, became president. Mr Putin retained power behind the scenes and returned to the presidency in 2012, when the term length was extended to...How long could Mr Putin be president for?Vladimir Putin was made acting president by Boris Yeltsin on New Year’s Eve 1999 and then served two terms until 2008, when Dmitry Medvedev, the prime minister, became president. Mr Putin retained power behind the scenes and returned to the presidency in 2012, when the term length was extended to...How long could Mr Putin be president for?Vladimir Putin was made acting president by Boris Yeltsin on New Year’s Eve 1999...

Only death will stop Saudi Arabia’s reformist, but controversial crown prince ruling his country for half a century, he has said in his fullest television interview to date. Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has emerged in just three years from relative obscurity to be the most decisive and powerful ruler the...Only death will stop Saudi Arabia’s reformist, but controversial crown prince ruling his country...Only death will stop Saudi Arabia’s reformist, but controversial crown prince ruling his country...

President Trump has lashed out at the special counsel who is investigating his campaign’s links to Russia in a furious attack against its alleged political bias. Mr Trump complained that the Russia investigation led by Robert...President Trump has lashed out at the special counsel who is investigating his campaign’s links to Russia in a furious attack against its alleged political bias. Mr Trump complained that the Russia investigation led by Robert...President Trump has lashed out at the special counsel who is investigating his campaign’s links to Russia in a...

The Israeli security services have arrested an employee of the French consulate in Jerusalem for smuggling arms on behalf of Hamas, the terrorist network. Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security agency, detained Roman Frank, 24, a...The Israeli security services have arrested an employee of the French consulate in Jerusalem for smuggling arms on behalf of Hamas, the terrorist network. Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security agency, detained Roman Frank, 24, a...The Israeli security services have arrested an employee of the French consulate in Jerusalem for smuggling arms on...

A Cirque du Soleil acrobat has plunged to his death in front of an audience in Tampa, Florida. Yann Arnaud, 38, whose act involved him spinning rapidly above the stage while clinging to a long strap suspended from the ceiling, fell during a...A Cirque du Soleil acrobat has plunged to his death in front of an audience in Tampa, Florida.A Cirque du Soleil acrobat has plunged to his death in front of an audience in Tampa, Florida.

Seven children, including a baby, are believed to have been among 16 migrants who drowned when their boat capsized...Seven children, including a baby, are believed to have been among 16 migrants who drowned when...Seven children, including a baby, are believed to have been among 16 migrants who drowned when...

Howling, four-legged robots are coming to the aid of Japanese farmers in their war against wild boar. So successful is the 20-inch robot Super Monster Wolf at stopping boar ravaging fields and crops during Japan’s harvest season that his...Howling, four-legged robots are coming to the aid of Japanese farmers in their war against wild...Howling, four-legged robots are coming to the aid of Japanese farmers in their war against wild...

London-listed shopping centre owner Hammerson has confirmed a £5 billion takover approach from a French rival. The Times revealed today that Klépierre, which owns more than 100 shopping centres across the continent, contacted Hammerson a fortnight ago about a proposed takeover. Shares in...London-listed shopping centre owner Hammerson has confirmed a £5 billion takover approach from a French rival. The Times revealed today that Klépierre, which owns more than 100 shopping centres across the continent, contacted Hammerson a fortnight ago about a proposed takeover. Shares in...London-listed shopping centre owner Hammerson has confirmed a £5 billion takover approach from a French rival. The Times...

Micro Focus, the software company once lauded as a champion of Britain’s technology industry, suffered yet another setback today after warning of a “greater than anticipated” decline in revenue following its acquisition of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s software business. Its shares fell by 55 per cent to 848p this morning after the company...Micro Focus, the software company once lauded as a champion of Britain’s technology industry, suffered yet another setback today after warning of a “greater than anticipated” decline in revenue following its acquisition of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s software business. Its shares fell by 55 per cent to 848p this morning after the company...Micro Focus, the software company once lauded as a champion of Britain’s technology industry, suffered yet another setback...

The activist investor Edward Bramson has become one of the biggest shareholders in Barclays after his company Sherborne Investors acquired voting rights over 5.16 per cent of the bank. Mr Bramson has been an investor for a while but his stake has only now risen above the 5 per cent threshold where it needs to be...The activist investor Edward Bramson has become one of the biggest shareholders in Barclays after...The activist investor Edward Bramson has become one of the biggest shareholders in Barclays after...

As well as being notable for the first spring statement, last week was also notable for being the tenth anniversary...As well as being notable for the first spring statement, last week was also notable for being the...As well as being notable for the first spring statement, last week was also notable for being the...

Companies have just over two weeks left to report how much women earn compared with men within their organisations.Companies have just over two weeks left to report how much women earn compared with men within...Companies have just over two weeks left to report how much women earn compared with men within...

The two finance directors in charge of running the books of Carillion in the run-up to its £1 billion collapse have been told that they are under formal investigation by the accountancy watchdog. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) notified...The two finance directors in charge of running the books of Carillion in the run-up to its £1...The two finance directors in charge of running the books of Carillion in the run-up to its £1...

The beleaguered boss of Conviviality Retail is expected to step down this week amid a crisis at the group and as the British retail sector prepares for more distress on the high street. Diana Hunter, chief executive of Conviviality, which owns...The beleaguered boss of Conviviality Retail is expected to step down this week amid a crisis at...The beleaguered boss of Conviviality Retail is expected to step down this week amid a crisis at...

Good morning: Could the French scupper David Atkins’s audacious plan to merge Hammerson, the property company he runs...Good morning: Could the French scupper David Atkins’s audacious plan to merge Hammerson, the...Good morning: Could the French scupper David Atkins’s audacious plan to merge Hammerson, the...

‘The dollar is going to get stronger and stronger, and ultimately I want to see a strong dollar,” President Trump...‘The dollar is going to get stronger and stronger, and ultimately I want to see a strong dollar,”...‘The dollar is going to get stronger and stronger, and ultimately I want to see a strong dollar,”...

Eddie Jones is prepared to leave his British & Irish Lions at home this summer despite being warned that England must beat South Africa or forget about winning the World Cup. The England team are facing a dramatic overhaul before the three-Test series in June against the Springboks with Jones...Eddie Jones is prepared to leave his British & Irish Lions at home this summer despite being warned that England must beat South Africa or forget about winning the World Cup. The England team are facing a dramatic overhaul before the three-Test series in June against the Springboks with Jones...Eddie Jones is prepared to leave his British & Irish Lions at home this summer despite being warned that England must beat...

It had been a long time coming for Rory McIlroy, but his first win for 18 months was clinched in such spectacular style last night that it felt well worth the wait. After a year blighted by injury, McIlroy rediscovered his finest form with a final round of 64 in the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, sinking five birdies in the final...It had been a long time coming for Rory McIlroy, but his first win for 18 months was clinched in such spectacular style last night that it felt well worth the wait. After a year blighted by injury, McIlroy rediscovered his finest form with a final round of 64 in the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, sinking five birdies in the final...It had been a long time coming for Rory McIlroy, but his first win for 18 months was clinched in such spectacular style last...

After the game was done and England’s epic Six Nations collapse was complete, Dylan Hartley started doing the rounds of the changing room, talking to the players, giving them sound reassurance. No one splits, the captain said. No bitchy whispering in the corridors. We stick together. To quote him exactly: “It’s just...After the game was done and England’s epic Six Nations collapse was complete, Dylan Hartley...After the game was done and England’s epic Six Nations collapse was complete, Dylan Hartley...

The game is about the players. So it is quite right that they receive the praise when everything is going well and...The game is about the players. So it is quite right that they receive the praise when everything...The game is about the players. So it is quite right that they receive the praise when everything...

Pressure. A term that has become synonymous with elite sport. Can you handle it? Can you put your reputation on the...Pressure. A term that has become synonymous with elite sport. Can you handle it? Can you put your...Pressure. A term that has become synonymous with elite sport. Can you handle it? Can you put your...

The old trope about “attack winning games, defence winning titles” has generally been debunked. It is true that...The old trope about “attack winning games, defence winning titles” has generally been debunked.The old trope about “attack winning games, defence winning titles” has generally been debunked.

‘Italy is like a university for strikers,” Álvaro Morata once said of his formative spell at Juventus. If his...‘Italy is like a university for strikers,” Álvaro Morata once said of his formative spell at...‘Italy is like a university for strikers,” Álvaro Morata once said of his formative spell at...

Try, try, try againJacob Stockdale crossed for his seventh try in his debut Six Nations on Saturday, a record for the tournament in the Six Nations era. He features in the team of the tournament along with Teddy Thomas, of France, who scored...Try, try, try againJacob Stockdale crossed for his seventh try in his debut Six Nations...Try, try, try againJacob Stockdale crossed for his seventh try in his debut Six Nations...

There was no greater demonstration of the difference between England and Ireland’s wit and invention than the visiting side’s second try, scored by CJ Stander. England’s midfield creativity has not shown up well in this year’s Six Nations, so it...There was no greater demonstration of the difference between England and Ireland’s wit and...There was no greater demonstration of the difference between England and Ireland’s wit and...

I don’t think Tottenham Hotspur should be playing their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. The semi-finals have been at...I don’t think Tottenham Hotspur should be playing their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. The...I don’t think Tottenham Hotspur should be playing their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. The...

Chelsea, the Women’s Super League leaders, swept Liverpool aside to book a place in the FA Cup semi-finals with a 3-0...Chelsea, the Women’s Super League leaders, swept Liverpool aside to book a place in the FA Cup...Chelsea, the Women’s Super League leaders, swept Liverpool aside to book a place in the FA Cup...

At the end of an exposed promontory stands a red-roofed house. There is no gate, no barrier. The only security comes in the form of a diminutive, bespectacled woman who points to the visitors’ book. She leads the way to a sunlit drawing room where...At the end of an exposed promontory stands a red-roofed house. There is no gate, no barrier. The...At the end of an exposed promontory stands a red-roofed house. There is no gate, no barrier. The...

In early December, with Plymouth Argyle languishing at the foot of the Sky Bet League One table, James Brent, the chairman, asked Derek Adams, the manager, how confident he was that his squad could avoid relegation. His answer? “He said it was a...In early December, with Plymouth Argyle languishing at the foot of the Sky Bet League One table...In early December, with Plymouth Argyle languishing at the foot of the Sky Bet League One table...

Sunderland have taken disciplinary action against Darron Gibson over an alcohol-related incident for the second time...Sunderland have taken disciplinary action against Darron Gibson over an alcohol-related incident...Sunderland have taken disciplinary action against Darron Gibson over an alcohol-related incident...

Roger Federer’s 2018 unbeaten streak finally came to an end last night when the Swiss failed to convert three match...Roger Federer’s 2018 unbeaten streak finally came to an end last night when the Swiss failed to...Roger Federer’s 2018 unbeaten streak finally came to an end last night when the Swiss failed to...

In their final audition before this week’s international break, Jack Butland and Jordan Pickford, the leading candidates for the England No 1 shirt, were at opposite ends of the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday — and both had moments to forget in...In their final audition before this week’s international break, Jack Butland and Jordan Pickford...In their final audition before this week’s international break, Jack Butland and Jordan Pickford...

John Major was unequivocal. Faced with the prospect of wooing the maverick MP Sir Richard Body back into the Tory fold to prop up his paper-thin majority, the prime minister said: “Every time I hear the word Body I hear the sound of white coats flapping.” Body had resigned the party whip because of his hostility to what became the European Union, which led Major in an...John Major was unequivocal. Faced with the prospect of wooing the maverick MP Sir Richard Body...John Major was unequivocal. Faced with the prospect of wooing the maverick MP Sir Richard Body...

In the mid-Sixties Lance Clark was running a factory in Ireland that made sturdy black boots for priests. The scion...In the mid-Sixties Lance Clark was running a factory in Ireland that made sturdy black boots for priests. The scion of the Somerset shoe dynasty, however, had more fashionable ambitions. Clark played a key role in the launch of the Wallabee, a laced-up riff on moccasins that was a huge hit in North America soon...In the mid-Sixties Lance Clark was running a factory in Ireland that made sturdy black boots for priests. The scion of the...

There was a strange hush first thing on Sunday morning, a stillness that had crept in under cover of darkness during the night. And there to greet much of the country when curtains were pulled back was an impressive blanket of snow. “Winds in the...There was a strange hush first thing on Sunday morning, a stillness that had crept in under cover...There was a strange hush first thing on Sunday morning, a stillness that had crept in under cover...

★★★★☆Considering that this is a display of some of the most magical and moving puppeteering you will get to see, its title is a slight bum note. It’s not that the composer Max Richter’s masterfully dramatic and propulsive 2012 reworking...★★★★☆Considering that this is a display of some of the most magical and moving puppeteering...★★★★☆Considering that this is a display of some of the most magical and moving puppeteering...

★★☆☆☆The previous production of Verdi’s La traviata at English National Opera suited the company’s austerity years: it had barely any scenery apart from curtains and one chair, and was thinned down to less than two hours with no interval.★★☆☆☆The previous production of Verdi’s La traviata at English National Opera suited...★★☆☆☆The previous production of Verdi’s La traviata at English National Opera suited...

Film Show

Film Show

Film Show

Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, joined the clamour to shut down RT, the television station owned by the Kremlin, as the SNP disowned Alex Salmond, who presents a programme on the channel. Ms Davidson said that RT broadcast “soft-sell propaganda” in an “attempt to poison our...Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, joined the clamour to shut down RT, the television station owned by the Kremlin, as the SNP disowned Alex Salmond, who presents a programme on the channel. Ms Davidson said that RT broadcast “soft-sell propaganda” in an “attempt to poison our...Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, joined the clamour to shut down RT, the television station owned by the...

A disease lethal to trees has spread to Scotland’s main timber crop and raised fears that it could devastate plantations and cause environmental damage. The fungal pathogen, known as sudden oak death, has been discovered in sitka trees in two parts of southwest Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) said. The disease, phytophthora...A disease lethal to trees has spread to Scotland’s main timber crop and raised fears that it could devastate plantations and cause environmental damage. The fungal pathogen, known as sudden oak death, has been discovered in sitka trees in two parts of southwest Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) said. The disease, phytophthora...A disease lethal to trees has spread to Scotland’s main timber crop and raised fears that it could devastate plantations and...

The purchase of an island by its six residents has taken a step forward after Scottish ministers agreed £4.4 million of public money. Campaigners were met with a mixture of adulation and incredulity when they announced they wanted to buy Ulva from its laird, Jamie Howard, to prevent it falling into the hands of a...The purchase of an island by its six residents has taken a step forward after Scottish ministers...The purchase of an island by its six residents has taken a step forward after Scottish ministers...

A prominent Labour MSP has urged his party to “make a decision” on a councillor who made an Islamophobic comment...A prominent Labour MSP has urged his party to “make a decision” on a councillor who made an...A prominent Labour MSP has urged his party to “make a decision” on a councillor who made an...

Robert Burns may have owed his fame to membership of the freemasons. The poet was initiated aged 22 in 1781 and...Robert Burns may have owed his fame to membership of the freemasons. The poet was initiated aged...Robert Burns may have owed his fame to membership of the freemasons. The poet was initiated aged...

Swearing is an innate reflex that can help to ease physical pain and lower stress levels, according to an expert in artificial intelligence. Emma Byrne, author of Swearing is Good for You, acknowledged in an interview with The Times that...Swearing is an innate reflex that can help to ease physical pain and lower stress levels...Swearing is an innate reflex that can help to ease physical pain and lower stress levels...

Glasgow is to crowdsource ideas from around the world on how to minimise waste and pollution through recycling and re-using materials. The city’s chamber of commerce is behind a plan to use Circle Lab, an online crowdsourcing...Glasgow is to crowdsource ideas from around the world on how to minimise waste and pollution through recycling and re-using materials. The city’s chamber of commerce is behind a plan to use Circle Lab, an online crowdsourcing...Glasgow is to crowdsource ideas from around the world on how to minimise waste and pollution through recycling and...

I am reading Bella Bathurst’s excellent memoir of deafness Sound and it is helping me understand problems with my own damaged hearing. She is particularly good on the isolating effect of not hearing properly, and how a problem...I am reading Bella Bathurst’s excellent memoir of deafness Sound and it is helping me understand problems with my own damaged hearing. She is particularly good on the isolating effect of not hearing properly, and how a problem...I am reading Bella Bathurst’s excellent memoir of deafness Sound and it is helping me understand problems with my own...

Everyone knows Celtic are heading for seven straight league titles but even perennial champions can be unpredictable. Over two consecutive weekends Celtic won with ten men but not against them. They didn’t even need a full complement to see off Rangers at Ibrox but even playing with an extra man for 49 minutes was not enough of an advantage to see them across the...Everyone knows Celtic are heading for seven straight league titles but even perennial champions...Everyone knows Celtic are heading for seven straight league titles but even perennial champions...

After this latest defeat consigned Rangers to their worst home record since 1915 (and there are, potentially, five...After this latest defeat consigned Rangers to their worst home record since 1915 (and there are, potentially, five more fixtures at Ibrox still to come which could make it even worse), caretaker manager Graeme Murty begged the club’s fans to retain confidence in him and his players. “The message to the support is...After this latest defeat consigned Rangers to their worst home record since 1915 (and there are, potentially, five more...

The caretaker manager wanted the job permanently but had no idea whether it would come his way. Should he bite his lip after a dreadful performance, or let rip? “There are things you can give players — information, tactics — but there are two...The caretaker manager wanted the job permanently but had no idea whether it would come his way.The caretaker manager wanted the job permanently but had no idea whether it would come his way.

Opposition politicians have called for more transparency in online political campaigns over fears that Irish voters are being targeted with disinformation ahead of the abortion referendum. The Times has found Facebook pages purportedly unrelated to the referendum that have targeted voters with...Opposition politicians have called for more transparency in online political campaigns over fears that Irish voters are being targeted with disinformation ahead of the abortion referendum. The Times has found Facebook pages purportedly unrelated to the referendum that have targeted voters with...Opposition politicians have called for more transparency in online political campaigns over fears that Irish voters are being...

Fianna Fáil will discuss tomorrow support for a motion to scrap Leo Varadkar’s strategic communications unit. It comes amid fresh accusations that the taoiseach is “obsessed” with spin as it emerged he planned a positive PR campaign on gardaí statistics. The SCU, which the taoiseach set up to streamline government communications last year...Fianna Fáil will discuss tomorrow support for a motion to scrap Leo Varadkar’s strategic communications unit. It comes amid fresh accusations that the taoiseach is “obsessed” with spin as it emerged he planned a positive PR campaign on gardaí statistics. The SCU, which the taoiseach set up to streamline government communications last year...Fianna Fáil will discuss tomorrow support for a motion to scrap Leo Varadkar’s strategic communications unit. It comes amid...

A garda watchdog has expressed concern about a lack of clarity over new managerial roles at the Garda College in Templemore. The Policing Authority called on Joseph Nugent, the force’s chief administration officer, to keep under review whether there was sufficient clarity about managerial roles at the college in Co...A garda watchdog has expressed concern about a lack of clarity over new managerial roles at the...A garda watchdog has expressed concern about a lack of clarity over new managerial roles at the...

The problem of pedestrians being distracted by their smartphones needs to be tackled, according to a Dublin city councillor. Frank Kennedy, a Fianna Fáil representative for Pembroke-South Dock, has called on the council to examine possible...The problem of pedestrians being distracted by their smartphones needs to be tackled, according...The problem of pedestrians being distracted by their smartphones needs to be tackled, according...

A charity gave dozens of girls under 16, including one 12-year-old child, financial help to travel to the UK for abortions in the past year. The Abortion Support Network (ASN) said that 52 girls under 16 used its service last...A charity gave dozens of girls under 16, including one 12-year-old child, financial help to travel to the UK for abortions in the past year. The Abortion Support Network (ASN) said that 52 girls under 16 used its service last...A charity gave dozens of girls under 16, including one 12-year-old child, financial help to travel to the UK for...

The mayor of New York has been accused of disrespecting IRA victims after he declared St Patrick’s Day “Gerry Adams day”. The former Sinn Féin leader was commended for his work on the peace process during a breakfast hosted by...The mayor of New York has been accused of disrespecting IRA victims after he declared St Patrick’s Day “Gerry Adams day”. The former Sinn Féin leader was commended for his work on the peace process during a breakfast hosted by...The mayor of New York has been accused of disrespecting IRA victims after he declared St Patrick’s Day “Gerry Adams...

I was privileged to attend the many St Patrick’s Day events in Washington DC this week and witness what was a...I was privileged to attend the many St Patrick’s Day events in Washington DC this week and...I was privileged to attend the many St Patrick’s Day events in Washington DC this week and...

So, pop quiz hotshot. Top of your head: who is the Irish defence minister? The more savvy among you may say Paul...So, pop quiz hotshot. Top of your head: who is the Irish defence minister? The more savvy among...So, pop quiz hotshot. Top of your head: who is the Irish defence minister? The more savvy among...

The minister for agriculture is fighting to secure an exemption for the horseracing industry to workplace legislation that puts a limit on working hours for stable staff. The labour court has ruled that training yards and stud operations are not...The minister for agriculture is fighting to secure an exemption for the horseracing industry to...The minister for agriculture is fighting to secure an exemption for the horseracing industry to...

A defender scoring a point always draws loud applause. A corner back not noted for scoring is bound to raise the...A defender scoring a point always draws loud applause. A corner back not noted for scoring is...A defender scoring a point always draws loud applause. A corner back not noted for scoring is...

Back in the day, up to about ten years ago, All-Ireland press nights were as much a pretext to unwind as they were a...Back in the day, up to about ten years ago, All-Ireland press nights were as much a pretext to...Back in the day, up to about ten years ago, All-Ireland press nights were as much a pretext to...

Rob Kearney Played five games this year and also played five nine years ago in his first slam. Remarkable consistency. 8

Keith Earls Flourishing more and more in the green shirt. Played a big part in this title after missing out on the 2014...Rob Kearney Played five games this year and also played five nine years ago in his first slam.Rob Kearney Played five games this year and also played five nine years ago in his first slam.